Day trips · 9-12 hours
The former Templar headquarters in Portugal, with a UNESCO-listed convent above a quiet town on the River Nabão.
The Convent of Christ, with its Templar round church and Manueline window, deserves at least two to three hours, and entry is paid. The climb from the town to the convent is steep, on foot or by car. In town, Praça da República and the banks of the Nabão fill the rest of the day. The journey is one of the longest on this list, so leave early.
For a shorter outing, try Sintra: palaces and hills. For the following day in the city, the Lisbon in 1 day itinerary is a good start. Pair it with a stroll through Alfama. See other trips that go to Tomar.
Independent itineraries to do on your own. We do not sell tours, recommend tour operators or use affiliate links. Check timetables, tickets and access with official sources before you set off.
Getting there
Regional train from Santa Apolónia or Oriente. By car, via the A1 and A13. Check timetables and journey times with the operator before you go.
Getting around2 trips go here
There are several ways to visit this destination: compare length, stops and transport.
Heritage
From the Convent of Christ to Almourol island, an independent day requiring coordinated land transfers and confirmation of the crossing before departure.
Heritage · Nature
Romantic palaces, estates and forest on a UNESCO-listed range of hills. Pick two or three sites and allow time for the climbs.
Nature · Heritage · Beach
Make an independent train-and-bus loop through Sintra’s centre, Atlantic scenery at Cabo da Roca and Cascais before returning to Lisbon.
See the extra-day suggestion above.
This trip works without a car: Regional train from Santa Apolónia or Oriente.
Heritage · Nature
A demanding day with Pena, the Moorish Castle, town and Regaleira: start early, book interiors and be prepared to shorten the plan if delayed.
Alfama
Santa Apolónia station, where trains to this region start, is at the foot of Alfama.
Maze-like lanes, fado and river viewpoints.
Viewpoints · Alfama
In Alfama, Miradouro de Santo Estêvão appears in Lisbon’s municipal directory of viewpoints.
Viewpoints · Alfama
A tiled, bougainvillea-draped terrace above Alfama's rooftops.
Viewpoints · Alfama
A terrace in Alfama on Largo das Portas do Sol, facing Palácio Azurara and overlooking the São Vicente hillside.
Check each place's opening hours on its page before you go.
